RAF Typhoons recently participated in a coordinated strike alongside French aircraft on an underground facility in Syria, previously held by Islamic State militants for likely weapon and explosives storage, according to the Ministry of Defence. The operation, conducted near the historic city of Palmyra in Syria’s mountainous region, involved targeted bombings on access tunnels leading to the site.
The Ministry confirmed that the facility was primarily used for storing weapons and explosives, with no civilian presence in the vicinity. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the UK’s commitment to standing united with allies to combat any resurgence of terrorist threats, including the Islamic State.
Praising the armed forces for their role in eliminating dangerous terrorists, Healey reiterated the importance of thwarting extremist activities that endanger the nation’s security. The Islamic State’s persistent global threat was underscored by the Manchester synagogue attacker’s affiliation with the group, as revealed in a 999 call made during the terror incident.
Jihad Al-Shamie, the attacker, confessed to the allegiance to Islamic State during a call with emergency services following the assault at the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue. Police subsequently fatally shot Al-Shamie after he carried out a violent rampage targeting pedestrians and attempting to breach the synagogue.
In a separate development, reports from November highlighted the Islamic State’s use of artificial intelligence to recruit British jihadists, signaling a concerning advancement in the group’s recruitment strategies. Intelligence agencies in the UK expressed alarm over the successful integration of AI by the terrorist organization for recruitment purposes.